Veteran Transition Assistance Programs Application

How can military veterans find support while transitioning into the civilian workforce?

As military personnel seek to establish new careers in civilian life, many young veterans find it difficult to gain employment. Without prior work experience or networking opportunities, getting the first post-military job may represent a challenge. Numerous government and private organizations recognize the difficulties former military personnel face, and many programs exist to help. Many outstanding resources offer help to veterans entering the civilian workforce.

Transition Assistance Program
The Transition Assistance Program provides support and assistance to separating service members during the transition to a civilian career. Also stylized as TAP, the program offers job-search assistance, resume building, cover letter preparation, interviewing techniques, and guidance on continuing education. A strikingly successful program, service members utilizing TAP gain employment in a first post-military job nearly a month sooner than soldiers not participating in the program. Government funded, TAP support and resources come from the Department of Labor and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Today, individuals transitioning from active duty to civilian life may access counseling from a transition assistance staff member. After that, veterans may also take part in a 3-day workshop designed to provide personal assessments, job market information, and job search techniques. The workshop also provides a veteran with an analysis desired relocation areas, including local employment opportunities, the local labor market, and the average cost of living.

Once separated from the military, veterans may receive additional transition assistance up to six months following release from active duty. Choosing to accept this help offers an outstanding step up in the competitive job market. To access this help, contact the nearest military installation or Command Career Counselor. TAP assistance also exists online and helps veterans find job postings on the web.

Disabled Transition Assistance Program
The Disabled Transition Assistance Program aids disabled veterans transitioning to the civilian workforce. DTAP offers 3-day workshops similar to the TAP program. After the workshops, disabled and injured veterans may also receive added hours of individual training. During additional hours, veterans work to determine job readiness and address any special needs at the workplace.

Army Career and Alumni Program
The Department of Defense recognized a need for further transition assistance for veterans set up the Army Career and Alumni Program. ACAP operates a network of career services designed to provide veterans with the job-hunting skills necessary to begin a career as a civilian. ACAP offers a four-day seminar specializing in preparing soldiers entering the job market. The specialized transition program exists for each of the four branches of the military. Although they teach similar skills, each program tailors coursework specifically to soldiers, seamen, airmen, and marines.

ACAP provides one-on-one career counseling for all members. A tech savvy program, ACAP provides software made specifically to help transitioning soldiers. The career-enhancing software includes resume and cover letter writing programs, career research tools, and tutorials on transferable skills. ACAP also provides a video library of industry-specific model interviews so transitioning personnel may enhance job interviewing skills. In addition to teaching job hunting skills, ACAP actively helps veterans find jobs. ACAP offers job fairs and career events and operates a job placement website for employers looking to hire workers with military skills.

Troops to Teachers Program
Troops to Teachers provides counseling and referral services to former military personnel interested in beginning a career in education. TTT helps basic military personnel gain certification and find employment in education. The program established an online job referral service allowing school district administrators to search the Troops to Teachers database for veteran candidates. TTT also provides online resources helping veterans discover job vacancies and post mini-resumes designed to highlight education background and experience. Successful program candidates may go on to teach at elementary, secondary, and vocational or technical schools.

The TTT program also offers monetary assistance to qualified members. Stipends of up to $5,000 exist for eligible veterans. Participants agreeing to teach in impoverished schools may receive a $10,000 stipend.

Helmets to Hardhats Program
The Helmets to Hardhats program helps former military personnel find career opportunities matching military backgrounds. The H2H program exists as a congressionally funded assistance initiative. H2H provides transitioning military, reservists, and guardsmen with a simply way to find a careers in the construction industry.

H2H associates take an active role in connecting veterans to advantageous career and training opportunities. Helmets to Hardhats also employs Regional Directors providing personalized help to veterans. An H2H Regional Director possesses a military background, building trade experience, or both. Regional Directors helps veterans determine the craft best fitting military-attained skills.

Hire Heroes USA
Hire Heroes USA offers personalized services geared toward easing the transition from military to civilian life. The program aims to provide full transition assistance for former military personnel and provides job search assistance and job placement services. The program also actively works to match employers with veterans. HHUSA finds companies seeking the qualifications and transferable skills veterans possess and matches these businesses with qualified former service members. In addition, HHUSA also provides career assistance to military spouses. A not-for-profit organization, HHUSA provides services at no cost to veterans.

Transition Bulletin Board
The Transition Bulletin Board operates a website specifically designed to help veterans find jobs. The Transition Bulletin Board provides information on business opportunities, training and educational opportunities, job fair announcements, and a calendar of transition seminars. The TBB exists as a division of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.